Hidano Eiji, 59
Jazz Bar Proprietor from Takayama, Gifu
Why did you start Sugar Hill?
I’m crazy about jazz! As a university student I listened to western pop, country, and Argentine tango. Then my friend took me to a jazz club in Tokyo. I wanted to leave immediately! It seemed so noisy. We couldn’t even talk and only stayed 30 minutes. Inexplicably, I was back the next day and felt more relaxed. I started going every day, scribbling the names of the artists in my notebook. I started not only buying jazz music but books as well. But, right after graduating from university, I became a salaryman. Throughout 13 years in the business world I regularly frequented jazz clubs.Then what happened?
I liked my job but had trouble getting along with my boss. I had to pass his orders along to those working under me, or lie for him, and hated that aspect. Even though the money was good, I decided to quit. But what to do? I received ¥8,000,000 in retirement funds, some of which I used to attend a business vocational school for six months. The school arranged for me to apprentice for another half year to learn proprietor skills. Then I took the remainder of my retirement money and started looking for a location, but starting a jazz bar in Tokyo was problematic. I realized that Takayama (Gifu) didn’t have a club, so I found a location and started here.What are your hours?
From 8 p.m. to midnight--but often I stay open until 2a.m. When I started I stayed open from morning till night but that was too much. I started feeling unwell, dizzy, and the doctor recommended I take it easy. I go to Tokyo once a month now to find new music, and to be honest, to hang out with friends. Shortly after starting Sugar Hill I did a pilgrimage of sorts to Los Angeles and San Francisco for some live jazz. It was a thrill.Who’s your favorite musician?
Charles Mingus. At first I didn’t like him. ‘How can I relax with this music?’ I thought. I read his book and that piqued my interest. His music is totally different. I have everything of his. Although he passed away, I buy anything released related to him. My overall music collection stands at about 4000, mostly LPs. Listening to cds makes me tired, but LPs never do. The sound is completely different.How are your customers?
There are all kinds. Some are uninterested in jazz, some get drunk. I’ve come to enjoy this interpersonal aspect however. Still, I’ll just ask an annoying person to leave. The atmosphere of the bar is more important than making money.Speaking of money, how much do you make?
I don’t make money! Well, I can pay the bills. But luxury items, like a new car, no.What about the future?
I’ll turn 60 soon and am thinking about retiring. I enjoy this job so I’m thinking of continuing. Maybe I’ll hire out for some help. Young people sometimes say, ‘I’d like to start a jazz bar like this,’ but I advise against it. It’s difficult to create the right atmosphere.the end
This interview was originally published in Kansai Time Out magazine.